THE DERRY NEWS: News Without Borders
Derry is perilously reliant on Ulster University as its only major third-level education provider.
All opportunities to expand our university sector are currently vested in an institution which, at best, has had a chequered track record in the city.
Our belief that UU will eventually do the right thing by us is a mistake - and a mistake which we know we are making.
UU is both over budget and, if reports are to believed, up to three years behind schedule with its new Belfast campus – a campus incidentally which should have been built in Derry. This bodes badly for the North West, and for Derry in particular, which has always taken fourth place in the UU pecking order.
It was little surprise that UU did not secure the lands Foyle Junior College at Springtown – or even present a case to secure them.
But if they miss the opportunity to acquire the Foyle Senior School grounds on Duncreggan Road, they may pack up their tents and return to Belfast and Coleraine.
This is their final opportunity to make a demonstrable commitment to Derry.
In the event that UU do not move quickly to secure these lands, the city must, without apology or delay, acquire the lands for itself for the furthering of the third-level sector.
This will require partnering with other institutions or developing an autonomous, independent model.
But it is essential for the long-term future of this region, that our third-level education provision, the worst on these islands, be overhauled immediately.
The fact that our only current provider is prevaricating, and refusing to commit resources to the city, is gravely worrying.
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